Dense Muscle vs. Big Muscle: What's the Difference?

Dense Muscle vs. Big Muscle: What's the Difference?

Posted by ZOZOFIT TEAM on

Did you know that there's a difference between dense muscle vs big muscle? Here's what you should know to get the most out of your fitness routine

Have you ever wondered how a person with a smaller build can lift something with ease while a more muscular person struggled with it? The type of muscle they each have has lots to do with it. Here's the difference between dense muscle vs big muscle and how they can benefit you.

If building muscle is one of your fitness goals, you may view bigger muscles as a sign of strength. However, this can be misleading and cause frustration when you don't see the results you were hoping for. To avoid this, you must understand dense muscle vs big muscle tissue. ZOZOFIT takes a look below.

What’s the Difference Between Dense Muscle vs Big Muscle?

The human body contains over 600 muscles that help it to move around and stay healthy. They are also divided into three types according to their function.

  • Skeletal: Attached to bones, these muscles are controlled by the central nervous system.
  • Smooth: These muscles are found inside the walls of internal organs such as the bladder.
  • Cardiac: Located inside the heart, these muscles help it to operate properly.

Dense and big muscles both fall under the category of skeletal muscles. While they may seem the same, though, they are very different from one another.

Dense Muscle

Dense muscle is stronger and contains more muscle fibers than big muscle. This allows it to lift and support more weight despite its smaller size. When deciding between dense muscle vs big muscle, if your goal is to increase your strength, dense muscle is what you need.

Big Muscle 

Compared to dense muscle, big muscles look stronger but are actually weaker. Their size is largely due to an increase in muscle cell fluid and tissue. If you're more concerned about appearance than strength, then big muscles may be best for you.

What Are the Benefits of Dense Muscle vs Big Muscle Training?

To build muscle, you first need to decide which type you want. That will help you determine the right training routine to follow. Each training also comes with added health benefits.

Strength Training for Dense Muscle

If your goal is to develop strong dense muscles, then strength training is best for you. It's also referred to as weight training and resistance training. Besides increasing your strength, benefits include:

  • Lean muscle mass
  • Faster metabolism
  • More confidence
  • Better self-esteem

To track your progress, be sure to take body measurements as you continue to work out. For the most accurate information, consider using ZOZOFIT's body scanning app to track your measurements.

Hypertrophy Training for Big Muscle

If your focus is to develop big muscle vs dense muscle, then hypertrophy training may be right for you. It will help you increase the size of your muscles on the parts of your body that you work out the most. Added benefits include:

  • Lower body fat
  • Less stress, anxiety, and fatigue
  • Enhanced athletic performance
  • Reduced risk of injuries and joint pain

Knowing the correct training to do will benefit you and help you to reach your muscle-building goals much faster.

Is Dense Muscle vs Big Muscle Better?

When it comes to dense muscle vs big muscle, one is not better than the other. It all depends on which type of muscle training will help you to achieve your overall health and fitness goals. As you get started, don't forget to take body measurements frequently. For more information on how to do this, check out the ZOZOFIT app today.

Stay in the know

Keep up to date with the latest in ZOZOFIT